Airspace Above Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Restricted Due to Drone Activity

Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio temporarily restricted its airspace on December 13, following reports of drone activity in the vicinity, according to a base representative on December 15.

Bob Purtiman, the public affairs director for the 88th Air Base Wing, informed news outlets that the airspace was secured after small unmanned aerial vehicles were sighted flying over the base late Friday and into early Saturday.

Purtiman indicated that base leadership assessed that none of the drone incursions affected base residents, infrastructure, or assets.

Purtiman stated that the 88th Air Base Wing, the primary unit for Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is collaborating with local Ohio authorities to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.

Related Stories

“The Air Force is implementing all necessary actions to protect our installations and residents,” he stated.

The Epoch Times has sought additional details from Wright Patterson Air Force Base regarding the incident.

The base also accommodates the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, which acts as the primary resource for the U.S. Defense Department concerning “foreign air and space threats.”

“I assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, and technology to aid the New Jersey State Police in managing drone sightings,” he communicated to ABC News’ “This Week” host George Stephanopoulos on Sunday.

Mayorkas confirmed that the sightings involve “in fact” drones, although some are “manned aircraft often misidentified as drones,” aligning with previous statements from the FBI and the White House. He did not divulge further specifics.

He emphasized that the U.S. government has restrictions on its ability to neutralize a drone, noting that upwards of 8,000 drones operate across the country daily.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.